Jeremiyah Love Named A Preseason All-American By Athlon Sports

Big things are expected in 2025 for Notre Dame star running back Jeremiyah Love, who is looking to become one of the nation's top overall players. The junior from St. Louis was named a preseason first-team All-American from Athlon Sports.

Love had a breakout season last fall when he rushed for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also caught 28 passes for 237 yards and two more touchdowns. His 6.9 yards per carry average ranked 7th among running backs with at least 100 carries, just behind the 6.95 average of Heisman Trophy runner up Ashton Jeanty. Love's 17 rushing touchdowns in a season ranks second all-time at Notre Dame.

Heading into the 2025 season, Love is expected to build on his success as a sophomore. He's a year older and stronger, and he's now in year two of the Mike Denbrock offense. 

Love is a home run back that is surprisingly powerful, which allows him to grind out tough yards. He could easily take over the short-yardage/goal line role that Riley Leonard (17 rushing touchdowns) had last season while also still being a big play back. 

Expectations are that with more knowledge of the offense, Love will get more opportunities to make plays in a variety of ways, especially in the pass game. Love should be allowed to move all over the offense, making it much tougher for defenses to know where he's going to be or how Denbrock is going to use him. This should allow Love to do more damage in the pass game this season, but it also helps the entire offense. 

If he's outside in a two-back offense it could open up run lanes for Jadarian Price or whatever back is in the game with him. If it's in more of an empty set it should allow other pass catchers to be in more one-on-one situations as the defense focuses more on Love. 

Just how Love will be used remains to be seen, but thinking about all the different ways his game could be utilized in this offense is exciting. One thing is for sure, as long as Love stays healthy he'll be one of the most explosive offensive players in the country. Love was also considered a Heisman Trophy contender by Athlon Sports.

Two Notre Dame opponents also made the first team on offense. Pittsburgh running back Desmond Reid was named a first-team player as the All Purpose back, while Miami (Fla.) offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa was named a first team lineman.